Front equipment mount for a wheeled vehicle

ABSTRACT

A front equipment mount for attaching a piece of equipment to a front end of a wheeled vehicle having an independent front suspension includes a longitudinal frame and a transverse frame member connected to the longitudinal frame. The longitudinal frame has a forward and end which is positionable proximate the front end of the vehicle and a rearward end which is attachable to the vehicle rearward of the front suspension. The transverse frame member has opposed left and right ends connectable to respective left and right suspension members of the vehicle. The piece of equipment is attachable to the forward end of the longitudinal frame such that the weight of the piece of equipment is supported by the left and right suspension members as unsprung weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a mount for attaching equipment such as asnowplow, bucket loader or fork lift to the front of a wheeled vehicle,and in particular to such a mount which can support the equipment asunsprung weight on a vehicle having independent front suspension.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is well known to attach equipment such as snowplow, bucket loader orfork lift to the front of a wheeled vehicle such as a tractor, truck,all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or other vehicle. Mounting such equipment on atractor is a relatively straight forward procedure because tractors donot typically have any suspension system; i.e. the axles of a tractorare rigidly affixed to the chassis. The equipment can, therefore, bemounted in any convenient location on the vehicle with little concern asto the effect of the weight of the equipment on the handling of thevehicle.

When mounting front-mounted equipment on a truck, ATV, or other vehiclehaving a suspension, the weight of the equipment becomes a concern.Typically, the equipment is bolted to the frame of the vehicle and theweight of the equipment and any load supported thereon becomes sprungweight, meaning that the weight must be supported by the springs in thevehicle's suspension, and too much sprung weight on the front of avehicle can cause the front suspension to sag, bottom out, or evencollapse.

This problem as been previously addressed in vehicles having solidbeam-type front axles by supporting the weight of the equipment on thefront axle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,091,343 issued to G. C. Souleet al. in 1937 discloses a snowplow mount for a truck with a beam axle.The weight of the snowplow is carried by brackets which hook over andattach to the front axle. The plow is stabilized by a framework whichextends rearwardly under the truck and bolts to the truck frame forwardof the rear wheels. The result is that the weight of the snowplow is notcarried by the truck's suspension, but instead becomes unsprung weightsupported only by the axle and front wheels. The only force transmittedto the frame is an upward force near the rear of the vehicle which, dueto the length of the framework, is only a fraction of the weight of theplow. Similar inventions are disclosed by Canadian Patents 326,141 and535,370.

While equipment mounts as described above work acceptably well in oldervehicles or large trucks having solid front axles, they are notapplicable to newer light trucks, sport utility vehicles or ATVs havingindependent front suspension since these vehicles have no axle to whichto attach the equipment mount. What is needed is an improved frontequipment mount capable of mounting a snowplow, bucket loader, forkliftor similar piece of equipment to a wheeled vehicle with independentfront suspension wherein the mount is designed to support the equipmentas unsprung weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a front equipment mount for attaching apiece of equipment to a front end of a wheeled vehicle having anindependent front suspension. The mount includes a longitudinal framehaving forward and rearward ends wherein the forward end is positionableproximate the front end of the vehicle and the rearward end isattachable to the vehicle rearward of the front suspension. A transverseframe member connected to the longitudinal frame has opposed left andright ends. The left end is connectable to a left suspension member ofthe vehicle and the right end is connectable to a right suspensionmember of the vehicle. The piece of equipment is attachable to theforward end of the longitudinal frame such that the weight of the pieceof equipment is supported by the suspension members as unsprung weight.The longitudinal frame member is preferably a flexible member, such as aleaf spring, so that the independent front suspension will remainfunctional with the mount installed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an equipment mount according to thepresent invention showing the mount installed on a wheeled vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the equipment mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the equipmentmount.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the equipment mount of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the equipment mount of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the equipment mount of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the equipment mount of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a third embodiment of the equipment mount.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. The drawings constitute a part of thisspecification and include exemplary embodiments of the present inventionand illustrate various objects and features thereof.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description forconvenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, thewords “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “rightwardly,” and “leftwardly” willrefer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward andaway from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment beingdescribed and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will includethe words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of asimilar import.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, and in particular to FIG. 1,the reference number 1 generally designates a front equipment mountaccording to the present invention. The mount 1 is used to attach apiece of front mounted equipment 2 to a wheeled vehicle 3. The equipment2 will be depicted herein as a snowplow, however it is to be understoodthat the mount 1 is also suited for use with other types of equipment 2including but not limited to bucket loaders, forklifts and other similarequipment. Similarly, the vehicle 3 will be depicted herein as an allterrain vehicle (ATV), however it is to be understood that the presentinvention is adaptable to other types of wheeled vehicles 3 including,but not limited to, light trucks (such as pickup trucks) and sportutility vehicles.

The mount 1 is especially well suited for use on vehicles 3 having achassis 4 with an independent front suspension system 5 including aright A-arm or similar right suspension member 7 and a left A-arm orsimilar left suspension member or A-arm 9. The suspension members 7 and9 are each pivotally attached to the chassis 4 for movement about arespective generally longitudinal axis. Each of the suspension members 7and 9 is further connected to a respective wheel carrier 11 (such as asteering knuckle or strut housing) by a respective ball joint (notshown). A respective front wheel 13 is rotatably connected to each wheelcarrier 11. Interposed between each suspension member 7 and 9 and thechassis 4 is a front spring 17.

Referring to FIG. 2, the mount 1 includes a longitudinal frame 19 which,in ATV applications, comprises a single longitudinal frame member orbackbone 21. In truck or SUV applications wherein the vehicle includes adepending transmission or drivetrain along the longitudinal centerlineof the vehicle, the longitudinal frame 19 could include a pair of suchlongitudinal frame members 21 (not shown) wherein one of the members 21is positioned on each side of the drivetrain.

The longitudinal frame member 21 is preferably adjustable in length soas to be adaptable to fit vehicles 3 of varying wheelbase, and maycomprise a front section 23 telescopically coupled to a rear section 25.For example, the rear section 25 can comprise a generally U-shapedchannel and the front section 23 can comprise a section of square tubingsized to be received within the channel of the rear section 25. Thefront section 23 is secured to the rear section 25 by bolts 27 which arereceived through elongated slots 29 in the rear section 25 and selectedones of a set of longitudinally spaced holes 31 (see FIG. 4) in thefront section 23.

The front section 23 includes a forward end 33 to which is attached abracket 35, which is generally in the form of a clevis, for connectingthe piece of equipment 2 to the mount. The rear section 25 has a backend 37 which is attachable to the vehicle 3 rearward of the front wheels13. If the vehicle 3 is equipped with a trailer hitch 39, the hitch 39can provide a convenient and effective attachment point for the back end37 of the rear section 25. In order to facilitate connection of the rearsection 25 to the hitch 35, the rear section 25 is provided with avertical pin receiver 41 (see FIG. 4) proximate the back end 37. The pinreceiver 41 is sized to accept a pin or bolt 43 which is simultaneouslyinserted through the hitch 35 and pin receiver 41 to connect the rearsection 25 to the vehicle 3. One or more tubular spacers 44 may be usedon the bolt 43 to space the longitudinal frame member 21 downwardly fromthe hitch 35.

The mount 1 further includes a transverse frame member 45 which issecured to the longitudinal frame 19. The transverse frame member 45 ispositioned along the length of the longitudinal frame 19 to place it inalignment with the suspension members 7 and 9 of the vehicle 3. Thetransverse frame member 45 has opposed right and left ends 47 and 49,respectively. The right end 47 of the transverse frame member 45 issecurable to the right suspension member 7 of the vehicle 3. The leftend 49 of the transverse frame member 45 is securable to the leftsuspension member 9 of the vehicle 3.

It is to be understood that the transverse frame member 45 may be of aone piece construction, however, in order to allow the length thetransverse frame member 45 to be adjusted to fit various vehicles 3, thetransverse frame member 45 preferably comprises a right portion 51 and aleft portion 53 which are mounted so as to be mutually extensible. Forexample, the transverse frame member 45 may be connected to thelongitudinal frame member 21 by four bolts 55 extending through alignedopenings in a pair of plates 57 between which the longitudinal framemember 21 and both portions 51 and 53 of the transverse frame member 45are sandwiched. With the bolts 55 loosened, the right and left portions51 and 53 of the transverse frame member 45 may be moved relative to oneanother such that the right and left ends 47 and 49 may be movedinwardly or outwardly. When the bolts 55 are tightened, the right andleft portions 51 and 53 are retained in a stationary position relativeto the longitudinal frame member 21.

The ends 47 and 49 of the transverse frame member 45 may each beattached to the respective suspension member 7 or 9 by a mountingbracket assembly 59. Each assembly 59 includes a pair of plates 61 andan attaching bolt 63. Each of the plates 61 in each assembly 59 has areceiver extending therethrough for receiving the respective bolt 63. Anotch, hole or receiver 65 is also formed in the transverse frame member45 near each of the ends 47 and 49. The transverse frame member 45 isconnected beneath the suspension members 7 and 9 by sandwiching eachsuspension member between a pair of the plates 61 and inserting a bolt63 through the receivers in the plates 61 and the respective receiver 65in the transverse frame member 45. The bolt 63 is then tightened toclamp the respective suspension member 7 or 9 between the plates 61.

Alternatively, on some vehicles 3 it may be possible to attach thetransverse frame member 45 to the suspension members 7 and 9 byconnecting the ends 47 and 49 directly to the respective ball joints(not shown). For example, nuts (not shown) securing the ball joints totheir respective suspension members 7 and 9 may be removed from theirrespective ball joint retaining studs (not shown), the receivers 65 inthe transverse frame member 45 slid over the retaining studs, and thenuts reinstalled.

With the mount 1 installed on the vehicle 3, the weight of a piece ofequipment 2 connected to the bracket 35 is supported as unsprung weighton the suspension members 7 and 9. The front springs 17, therefore, donot have to carry the weight of the equipment 2 and are not subject sosag or bottom out. An upward force is exerted on the vehicle 3 at thepoint where the back end 37 of the longitudinal frame 19 is connected tothe vehicle 3, however this force is minimized by attaching the back end37 as far rearwardly as possible to provide the longest lever arm andthereby the smallest upward force on the vehicle 3.

It should be noted that, if the transverse frame member 45 issubstantially rigid, the installation of the mount 1 on the vehicle 3would essentially override the independent front suspension system 5 bylocking the suspension members 7 and 9 together. This would produce aharsh ride and make the vehicle difficult to maneuver on rough terrain.While these consequences might be acceptable under certaincircumstances, it is advantageous to retain as much independent movementbetween the suspension members 7 and 9 as possible. This can beaccomplished by using a material for the transverse frame member 45which is at least somewhat flexible, such as a flat or leaf spring.

For example, FIGS. 3-7 show a second embodiment of the mount 1 whereinthe transverse frame member comprises a semi-elliptic leaf spring 45 a.As described above, the spring 45 a includes a right end 47 a, a leftend 49 a, and preferably comprises right and left portions 51 a and 53a, respectively, which are selectively extensible relative to oneanother. A third embodiment of the mount 1, shown in FIG. 8, has atransverse frame member comprising a one piece leaf spring 45 b, whichalso has opposed right and left ends 47 a and 49 a, respectively.

Each of the ends 47 a and 49 a includes an eyelet 67 which receives abushing 69. The eyelets 67 are connectable to the suspension members 7and 9 by respective mounting bracket assemblies, such as bracketassemblies 59 a, 59 b or 59 c. Each bracket assembly 59 a, 59 b or 59 ccomprises an upper plate 68, a lower plate 69, a spring shackle 71connected to the lower plate 69, and at least one attaching bolt 73. Thetransverse frame member 45 a or 45 b is connected beneath the suspensionmembers 7 and 9 by sandwiching each suspension member between an upperplate 68 and a lower plate 69 and then installing one or more bolts 73through receivers in the plates 68 and 69 so as to draw the plates 68and 69 together. A respective pin 75 is then inserted through eachspring shackle 71 and a respective eyelet 67 of the transverse member 45a or 45 b. The assemblies 59 a, 59 b, and 59 c generally differ from oneanother in the size and shape of the respective plates 68 and 69, whichcan be selected to correspond to different vehicles 3 or to differentlateral mounting positions on the respective suspension members 7 and 9.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present inventionhave been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.

1. A front equipment mount for attaching a piece of equipment to a frontend of a wheeled vehicle having a chassis and an independent frontsuspension with left and right suspension members pivotally attached tothe chassis, said mount comprising: a) a longitudinal frame havingforward and rearward ends; said forward end being positionable proximatethe front end of the vehicle and said rearward end being attachable tothe vehicle rearward of the front suspension; and b) a transverse framemember connected to said longitudinal frame and having opposed left andright ends, said left end being connectable to the left suspensionmember of the vehicle said right end being connectable to the rightsuspension member of the vehicle; wherein c) the piece of equipment isattachable to said forward end of said longitudinal frame such that theweight of the piece of equipment is supported by the left and rightsuspension members as unsprung weight.
 2. The front equipment mount asin claim 1 wherein said transverse frame member includes a left sectionand a right section which are selectively extendable relative to oneanother.
 3. The front equipment mount as in claim 1 wherein each of saidleft and right ends of said transverse frame member is connectable tothe respective suspension member by a respective bracket assembly. 4.The front equipment mount as in claim 3 wherein each of said bracketassemblies comprises a pair of plates and a threaded fastenerinterconnecting said pair of plates, said plates being adapted tosandwich the respective suspension member therebetween such thattightening said threaded fastener causes said plates to clamp down onthe respective suspension member, said threaded fastener further beingconnectable to the transverse frame member.
 5. The front equipment mountas in claim 1 wherein said transverse frame member is verticallyflexible.
 6. The front equipment mount as in claim 5 wherein saidtransverse frame member is a leaf spring.
 7. The front equipment mountas in claim 6 wherein said leaf spring is semi-elliptic.
 8. The frontequipment mount as in claim 7 wherein said leaf spring has an eyeletformed at each of said left and right ends.
 9. The front equipment mountas in claim 8 wherein each of said left and right ends of said leafspring is connectable to the respective suspension member by arespective bracket assembly.
 10. The front equipment mount as in claim 9wherein each of said bracket assemblies comprises an upper plate, alower plate and a threaded fastener interconnecting said upper and lowerplates, said plates being adapted to sandwich the respective suspensionmember therebetween such that tightening said threaded fastener causessaid plates to clamp down on the respective suspension member, saidlower plate having a spring shackle connected thereto and sized toreceive the one of said eyelets on the respective right or left end ofsaid leaf spring.
 11. The front equipment mount as in claim 1 whereinsaid longitudinal frame comprises a longitudinal frame member havingfront and rear sections telescopically extendable relative to oneanother.
 12. The front equipment mount as in claim 1 wherein saidrearward end of said longitudinal frame is attachable to a trailer hitchof the vehicle.
 13. A front equipment mount for attaching a piece ofequipment to a front end of a wheeled vehicle having a chassis and anindependent front suspension with left and right suspension memberspivotally attached to the chassis, said mount comprising: a) alongitudinal frame having forward and rearward ends; said forward endbeing positionable proximate the front end of the vehicle and saidrearward end being attachable to the vehicle rearward of the frontsuspension; and b) a transverse leaf spring connected to saidlongitudinal frame and having opposed left and right ends, said left endbeing connectable to the left suspension member of the vehicle saidright end being connectable to the right suspension member of thevehicle; wherein c) the piece of equipment is attachable to said forwardend of said longitudinal frame member such that the weight of the pieceof equipment is supported by the left and right suspension members asunsprung weight.
 14. The front equipment mount as in claim 13 whereinsaid leaf spring includes a left section and a right section which areselectively extensible relative to one another.
 15. The front equipmentmount as in claim 13 wherein said leaf spring is semi-elliptic.
 16. Thefront equipment mount as in claim 13 wherein said leaf spring has aneyelet formed at each of said left and right ends.
 17. The frontequipment mount as in claim 16 wherein each of said left and right endsof said leaf spring is connectable to the respective suspension memberby a respective bracket assembly.
 18. The front equipment mount as inclaim 17 wherein each of said bracket assemblies comprises an upperplate, a lower plate and a threaded fastener interconnecting said upperand lower plates, said plates being adapted to sandwich the respectivesuspension member therebetween such that tightening said threadedfastener causes said plates to clamp down on the respective suspensionmember, said lower plate having a spring shackle connected thereto andsized to receive the one of said eyelets on the respective right or leftend of said leaf spring.
 19. A front equipment mount for attaching apiece of equipment to a front end of a wheeled vehicle having a chassisand an independent front suspension with left and right suspensionmembers pivotally attached to the chassis, said mount comprising: a) alongitudinal frame member having forward and rearward ends; said forwardend being positionable proximate the front end of the vehicle and saidrearward end being attachable to the vehicle rearward of the frontsuspension; and b) a transverse frame member connected to saidlongitudinal frame member and having opposed left and right ends, saidleft end being connectable to the left suspension member of the vehiclesaid right end being connectable to the right suspension member of thevehicle, said transverse frame member including left and right sectionsselectively extendable relative to one another; wherein c) the piece ofequipment is attachable to said forward end of said longitudinal framemember such that the weight of the piece of equipment is supported bythe left and right suspension members as unsprung weight.
 20. The frontequipment mount as in claim 19 wherein said longitudinal frame membercomprises front and rear sections telescopically extendable relative toone another.